System and method for tracking fitness progress from a server

ABSTRACT

The invention is generally a system that enables a user to visually and graphically track their fitness goals using an interactive device connected to a server, wherein fitness progress data of the user is stored and made available to the user via a user interface, for example on a mobile device application or a webpage. The system of tracking fitness progress comprises a server, a database, and a device, for example a fitness booth, for taking images and gathering fitness progress data from a user. The information gathered at the fitness booth, including images, is stored in the database. Users are provided a graphical user interface to update and access their fitness progress data, thereby facilitating the user&#39;s tracking of their fitness progress.

PRIORITY NOTICE

The present application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) to U.S.Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/805,072 filed on Mar. 25,2013, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in itsentirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates in general to a system and method fortracking fitness progress, and more specifically, a system that enablesa user to visually and graphically track their fitness goals using aninteractive photo booth connected to a server, wherein fitness progressdata of the user is stored and made available to the user via a userinterface, for example on a mobile device application or a webpage.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Every year, millions of people across the world struggle with theirfitness goals due to a lack of motivation. One of the key reasons forthis lack of motivation is the inability to adequately recognize ormonitor progress. Keeping track of fitness goals has always been ahassle, in part, due to the inconsistency and low compliance rates forrecording visual and numerical data. When a gym member finishes aworkout, they often wish they could take a picture of themselves. Theperiod immediately following a workout is the highest point ofmotivation for a gym member, wherein the member wants to snap aself-photo to demonstrate progress to themselves and their friends andfamily. However, most people feel embarrassed about taking self-photosat the gym, or they simply don't have the time or patience to take eachof the necessary pictures from the right distance, with the rightlighting, and in the proper pose. Thus, gym members lose out on animportant motivating force that could be the difference betweencontinuing a workout regimen and giving up altogether. Therefore, thereis a need in the art for a system and method for visually andgraphically tracking fitness progress in private using a fast,interactive, gym-integrated photo booth. It is to these ends that thepresent invention has been developed.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

To minimize the limitations in the prior art, and to minimize otherlimitations that will be apparent upon reading and understanding thepresent specification, the present invention describes a system andmethod for tracking fitness progress.

A system of tracking fitness progress in accordance with one embodimentof the present invention, comprises: a server connected to a network; adatabase, residing within the server, for storing a user's fitnessprogress data; a first client device connected to the network,comprising a user interface, and a processor for compiling the user'sfitness progress data including one or more images, wherein theprocessor is configured to communicate the fitness progress data betweenthe first client device and the server via a network interface; acompartment, for housing the first client device and one or more camerasfor capturing the one or more images; and a graphical user interface foraccessing the fitness progress data via a second client device.

A method for tracking fitness progress in accordance with practice ofone embodiment of the present invention, comprises: receiving a requestfrom a first client device for a new session with a server; requestingand receiving, from the first client device, a unique user identifierfrom a user; authenticating the new session by the server; presentinginstructions to the user, via the first client device, the instructionsdesigned to capture a fitness progress data from the user, the fitnessprogress data including one or more images of the user; capturing, viathe first client device, the fitness progress data from the user,including capturing the one or more images of the user; sending, fromthe first client device to the server, the fitness progress data,including the one or more images of the user; receiving, by the server,the fitness progress data of the user; storing the fitness progress datain the server's memory; receiving a request from a second client devicefor the fitness progress data; authenticating the request from thesecond client device; providing a graphical user interface accessible bythe second client device; and displaying, on the second client device,the fitness progress data via the graphical user interface.

A system for tracking a user's fitness progress, in accordance withanother embodiment of the present invention, comprises: a server with adatabase for storing fitness progress data; a first client device forcompiling the fitness progress data from a user, the first client devicehoused in a compartment with a user interface and one or more cameras;and a second client device, with access to a graphical user interfacefor displaying the fitness progress data, wherein the server isconfigured to: receive a request for a new session between the serverand the first client device, authenticate the new session with the firstclient device in order to receive fitness progress data from the firstclient device, and provide the fitness progress data received from thefirst client device to the second client device upon receiving a requestfrom the second client device for the fitness progress data, and thefirst client device is configured to: present instructions to a user,the instructions designed to capture a fitness progress data from theuser, the fitness progress data including one or more images of theuser, capture the fitness progress data from the user, includingcapturing the one or more images of the user, and send, to the server,the fitness progress data including the one or more images of the user.

A method for tracking fitness progress in accordance with practice ofanother embodiment of the present invention, comprises: receiving arequest for a new session from a first client device housed within acompartment including a user interface, a camera, and a processor forcompiling a fitness progress data, wherein the processor is configuredfor communicating the fitness progress data between the first clientdevice and the server via a network interface; authenticating acommunication session between the server and the first client device;receiving a fitness progress data of a user from the first clientdevice, wherein the fitness progress data includes one or more images ofthe user; storing the fitness progress data in the server's memory;receiving a request from a second client device for the fitness progressdata; and sending the fitness progress data to the second client device.

A server computer for tracking fitness progress of a user, in accordancewith one embodiment of the present invention, comprises: a networkinterface for communicating with a first client device; a database forstoring a user's fitness progress data received from the first clientdevice; a processor configured to: receive a request for a new sessionfrom the first client device, the first client device comprising a userinterface and a camera configured to compile a fitness progress data andcommunicating the fitness progress data to the processor, wherein thefirst device is housed within a compartment that includes a scale;establish a communication session between the processor and the firstclient device; receive the fitness progress data of a user from thefirst client device, wherein the fitness progress data includes one ormore images of the user; store the fitness progress data in a memoryconnected to the processor; receive a request from a second clientdevice for the fitness progress data; and send the fitness progress datato the second client device.

A method for tracking fitness progress from a client device, inaccordance with practice of one embodiment of the present invention,comprises: providing a server with a unique identifier associated with auser; requesting, from the server, a fitness progress data of the usercompiled by a fitness booth, wherein the fitness progress data comprisesthe user's weight, body mass index, and one or more photos of the usercaptured by the fitness booth; and displaying the fitness progress datacompiled by the fitness booth via the client device.

A method for compiling fitness progress by a client device, inaccordance with practice of one embodiment of the present invention,comprises: requesting and receiving a unique user identifier from auser; establishing communication with a server for storing a fitnessprogress data provided by the user; presenting instructions to the uservia a user interface housed within a compartment including one or morecameras, the instructions designed to capture the fitness progress datafrom the user, the fitness progress data including one or more images ofthe user; capturing the fitness progress data including the one or moreimages of the user; and sending the fitness progress data to the server,in order to store the fitness progress data in a profile associated withthe user.

A booth for compiling fitness progress data, in accordance with oneembodiment of the present invention, comprises: one or more cameras forcapturing one or more images of a user; a client computer configured to:request and receive a unique user identifier from the user in order toestablish a communication between the client computer and a server;present instructions to the user designed to capture the fitnessprogress data from the user, the fitness progress data including one ormore images of the user; capture the fitness progress data including theone or more images of the user; and send the fitness progress data tothe server, in order to store the fitness progress data in a profileassociated with the user.

A device for compiling fitness progress data, in accordance with oneembodiment of the present invention, comprises: a network interface forestablishing a user interaction session with a server, wherein the userinteraction session includes providing the server with a fitnessprogress data of the user; a user interface for providing userinstructions to obtain the fitness progress data from the user, thefitness progress data including one or more images of the user; one ormore cameras for capturing the one or more images of the user; and abooth for housing the user interface and the one or more cameras, thebooth adapted to provide the user with privacy during the userinteraction session.

It is an objective of the present invention to allow a user tocapitalize on the high fitness motivation levels while engaged at afitness and health facility.

It is another objective of the present invention to provide a quick,easy way of documenting fitness progress while engaged at a fitness andhealth facility.

It is yet another objective of the present invention to extendpost-workout motivation by allowing users to remotely view their fitnessprogress through employing graphical user interfaces such as web sitesand mobile smart device apps.

It is yet another objective of the present invention to connect usersaround the world to remain motivated in their fitness goals andlifestyle by having their own user profile on a community page whereusers can share their data, rate and comment on other users data, andengage in competitions that award users for their fitnessaccomplishments.

It is yet another objective of the present invention to provide advisoryand community forums for fitness booth users to gain helpful andpertinent fitness, diet, and health-related advice, tips, andsuggestions.

It is yet another objective of the present invention to afford privacyto users while taking fitness progress photos.

These and other advantages and features of the present invention aredescribed herein with specificity so as to make the present inventionunderstandable to one of ordinary skill in the art.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Elements in the figures have not necessarily been drawn to scale inorder to enhance their clarity and improve understanding of thesevarious elements and embodiments of the invention. Furthermore, elementsthat are known to be common and well understood to those in the industryare not depicted in order to provide a clear view of the variousembodiments of the invention.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a system in accordance with an exemplaryembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a system in accordance with anotherexemplary embodiment of the present invention, depicting components andsub-components of the entire system.

FIG. 3(a) is a flowchart illustrating one method of tracking fitnessprogress, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 3(b) is a flowchart illustrating one method of tracking fitnessprogress from a server, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment ofthe present invention.

FIG. 3(c) is a flowchart illustrating one method of tracking fitnessprogress from a client device, in accordance with an exemplaryembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3(d) is a flowchart illustrating one method of tracking fitnessprogress from a client mobile device, in accordance with an exemplaryembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 illustrates a client device comprising an enclosure, inaccordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5(a) illustrates one embodiment for a control panel in accordancewith the present invention.

FIG. 5(b) illustrates another embodiment for the control panel discussedwith reference to FIG. 5(a) in which an image adjustment system with amotorized mount configured to vertically adjust the height of a camerais implemented.

FIG. 6 is a visual representation of a graphical user interface forproviding users with remote access to fitness progress data, inaccordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the following discussion that addresses a number of embodiments andapplications of the present invention, reference is made to theaccompanying drawings that form a part hereof, where depictions aremade, by way of illustration, of specific embodiments in which theinvention may be practiced. It is to be understood that otherembodiments may be utilized and changes may be made without departingfrom the scope of the present invention.

The present system and method for tracking fitness progress utilizes afitness booth with a private enclosure incorporated into a gym. Thisfitness booth sends and receives information pertaining to user profilesto and from a server. Users access their accounts through theirrespective user profile and thereafter interact with the fitness boothinterface to compile information, for instance body weight, height, bodymass index (BMI), body fat percentage, and photos taken by the fitnessbooth from various athletic and non-athletic poses. Users may sharetheir profile information and fitness progress and goals with otherfitness booth users and members of their social media circles. Thepresent invention capitalizes on heightened motivation following aworkout by providing a simple, convenient means to document fitnessprogress. A user may then subsequently analyze their progress remotelyusing other graphical user interfaces (GUIs) such as a website, mobilephone app, or more generally a mobile smart device, including but notlimited to, a tablet or cell phone.

While the disclosure of a fitness booth in accordance with the presentinvention may refer to the fitness booth as being present within a gym,the term, gym, is not to be construed as limiting. Within the content ofthe disclosure, gym is to be defined as any coordinated location whereinfitness and or health are emphasized and workouts may be performed.

FIG. 1 shows a block diagram of a system (system 100) in accordance withan exemplary embodiment of the present invention. System 100 comprisesserver 101, database 102, profile 103, network 104, remote devices 105,106, 107, and fitness booth 108. Furthermore, in the embodiment shown,fitness booth 108 comprises several elements including user interface109, processor 110, camera 111, and scale 112. System 100 enables usersto capitalize on their motivation after each workout by facilitatingtracking of their fitness progress. Each element of system 100 isdiscussed in turn.

Server 101 stores and provides data pertaining to a user's fitnessprogress in order to provide users with a means to track their personalprogress with regards to their fitness goals. Without limiting the scopeof the present invention, this fitness progress data may comprise weightdata, body mass index data, body fat percentage data, exercise routinedata, exercise type data, and personal user information such as age, sexand height. Server 101 may store information such as fitness progressdata in individual user profiles such as profile 103. Thus, server 101may act as a database server that performs information storage andretrieval services. Furthermore, server 101 may be a local server, aremote server, or a combination of multiple servers situated in one ormore locations. As a local server, server 101 might be a gym's serverwithin or in close proximity to the gym. As a remote server, server 101may exist anywhere and may hold database information from one or moregyms. Typically, server 101 is configured to handle incoming requestsfrom a variety of requesting entities. For example, and without limitingthe scope of the present invention, a requesting entity may be a remotedevice, a fitness booth, website, or smart device application. Requeststo server 101 may include a request to upload information pertaining toa user profile; a request to create a new user profile; and a request toaccess user information pertaining to a stored user profile.

As mentioned above, server 101 may be any type of server (i.e. one ormore computers with a memory and a database) suitable for storing andproviding fitness progress data. However, in an exemplary embodiment,server 101 comprises representational state transfer (REST)architecture. Although other architectures may be implemented, a RESTserver may be desirable to maximize efficiency, particularly in systemsthat may experience an expanding user profile pool. Furthermore, RESTarchitecture adds an element of security that is well known and suitablefor system 100, as server 101 may act a barrier between the variousdevices and applications requesting data and database 102. Furthermore,this architecture will provide a centralized means of connecting withother system components such as third-party advertisers, applications,and websites.

Server 101 may comprise different modules for performing different typesof tasks. For example, and without limiting the scope of the presentinvention, server 101 may include a module for calculating a fitnessanalysis such as calculating BMI, body fat percentage, or providinggraphics that show change in fitness data of a user over a period oftime. Similarly, server 101 may include a module for providingadvertisements and for providing a graphical user interface for usersvia a website or via a mobile application.

Database 102 typically contains substantially all the informationacquired from users via fitness booth 108. For instance, database 102may contain fitness booth profile information on three gyms in a fivemile radius or on all gyms with a fitness booth.

Profile 103 contains a user's personal information and fitness progressdata. Profile 103 may comprise the user's height, weight, body massindex, body fat percentage, a profile photo, length of usage,compilation of progress photos, or any other type of fitness-related orotherwise descriptive information. This data may be updated via fitnessbooth 108 or may be updated via a remote device such as remote device106. Users may later view and share their profiles with other users inorder to receive help with their fitness goals, help others achievetheir fitness goals, or simply to share the information with otherusers.

Network 104 may be any type of network, such as a wide area network or alocal network. Typically, network 104 is a wide area network such as theinternet, wherein a large number of users may communicate from anywherein the world. In exemplary embodiments, network 104 links many users viasmart device and computer to provide mutual access to manyinternet-based features. Thus, network 104 may provide access topersonal or mass profile information on a website or mobile deviceapplication. Network 104 provides the means to transmit information toor from a remote user or a local fitness booth user.

Remote devices 105, 106, and 107 may be any remote device connected tonetwork 104. For example, and without limiting the scope of the presentinvention: remote device 105 may be a laptop for connecting a user toserver 101; remote device 106 may be a smartphone for connecting a userto server 101; and remote device 107 may be a tablet for connecting auser to server 101. Users may connect to server 101 via remote devices105, 106, 107 to log in to their respective fitness booth profiles,retrieving pertinent information from database 102 within server 101.

Fitness booth 108 may be used to gather and capture the requiredinformation in order to generate fitness progress data for users ofsystem 100. Fitness booth 108 typically comprises user interface 109,processor 110, camera 111, and scale 112. Fitness booth 108 communicateswith server 101 through network 104. A user, for example a gym member,may utilize fitness booth 108 before or after a workout in order torecord their most recent fitness related data. For example, and withoutdeviating from the scope of the present invention, a user may completetheir exercise routine for the day and use fitness booth 108 to inputtheir routine data, along with their current weight, body mass index,and or body fat percentage. Furthermore, users may upload one or moreimages of themselves in order to create a record of their progress. Allthis information is uploaded to server 101 under their user profile sothat the user may access this information at a later time. In thismanner, the user may gather fitness progress data every time he or shevisits the gym, and upload the data for later retrieval.

User interface 109 is the means through which a user undergoes the stepsnecessary to complete an iteration in fitness booth 108. Any known userinterface may be provided so long as it is suitable for gathering therequired information from the user of fitness booth 108. For example,and without limiting the scope of the present invention, user interface109 may be a simple computer such as a large tablet that includes atouch-screen. Of course, other interfaces may be suitable including adesktop computer with a screen and keyboard for providing user input. Inan exemplary embodiment, user interface 109 comprises a touch-screen forreceiving user inputs and providing visual and audio instructions to auser of fitness booth 108.

Processor 110 may be any suitable processor for carrying out the variousfunctions of fitness booth 108. For example, and without limiting thescope of the present invention, processor 110 may be configured toreceive user inputs pertaining to personal user information such as age,sex, and current height. Furthermore, processor 110 should be able toprocess images captured by camera 111 and receive and process weightinformation received from scale 112. Processor 110 may also beconfigured to receive information from other tools or components withinfitness booth 108, such as fitness analysis tools that are capable ofestimating a user's change in body fat percentage.

Camera 111 is utilized to capture images of fitness booth 108 users.Camera 111 may be any type of camera capable of capturing close rangephotographs. In one embodiment, camera 111 comprises a single camerathat utilizes a wide angle lens. This may be desirable as differentusers have different body types and different heights. Other embodimentsmay include multiple cameras without deviating from the scope of thepresent invention, and any type of known camera system may beimplemented so long as users are able to capture one or more images foruploading to server 101.

Scale 112 may display and record a user's current weight, which may alsobe uploaded to their profile. The user may then retrieve this data andcompare it to the other fitness progress data that is compiled andstored by server 101. Weight data may be provided to the user via userinterface 109, and provided to processor 110 in order to calculate otheruseful information, for example, the user's body mass index and or bodyfat percentage. Hence, while more complex scale systems may beincorporated to provide users with a wide range of data, scale 112 maybe a simple scale configured to provide processor 110 with the weight ofeach user.

Images captured by camera 111 and information recorded by scale 112 aresent to server 101 via network 104 for storing in database 102. Eachuser typically has a unique identifier associated with a profile thatcontains personal fitness progress data. As a user continues to uploadtheir information, each user's profile becomes a historical record ofthat user's fitness progression. Users may use this information as asource of motivation for themselves and others. By accessing theirprofiles via a remote device, users may not only access their owninformation remotely, but also share their fitness progress with others.Other services may be implemented as well. For example, help forumsrelated to fitness may be enabled in which users share and discuss theirfitness progress along with advice on how to achieve different types offitness goals. Additionally, advertising opportunities may be enabled sothat third-parties may share their products to users of system 100. Forexample, health products or fitness products may be advertised which aretailored to a user's needs ranging from organic foods to weight lossproducts, depending on the goals of each user of system 100.

Turning to the next figure, FIG. 2 is a block diagram of system 200,another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, depictingcomponents and sub-components of the entire system. System 200 is shown,comprising multiple servers for handling fitness progress data, andclient devices from which a user may either provide or request fitnessprogress data. Furthermore, system 200 includes an advertisementcommunication module for implementing revenue opportunities through, forexample, third-party affiliates that advertise to interested users ofsystem 200.

System 200 comprises one or more centralized servers (server system 201)for storing fitness progress data that may be received from clientdevices such as client device 202, or client device 214. Client device202 generally refers to one or more devices located in a venue orphysical location where users can upload their fitness progress data,including images of their current physique. Client device 214 refers toone or more devices that have access to a graphical user interface, suchas mobile device applications or websites, which are designed to provideusers with access to their fitness progress data, including platformswherein users can share their fitness progress data with others.

Client device 202 is adapted to facilitate the gathering of fitnessprogress data from a user, such as client user 222. This means thatclient device 202 typically includes the following components: userinterface 203, processor 204, scale 205, image adjustment system 206,camera 207, fitness analysis tools 208, lighting 209, and anadvertisement communication module display (display 210). While it maybe desirable to provide these components in a compact structure such asa compartment or booth (see FIG. 1 and FIG. 4), for example similar to aphoto booth, other configurations may be implemented without deviatingfrom the scope of the present invention. For example, these componentsmay be provided in a separate room sectioned off from the rest of a gym,or a closed area that is designated for using a system in accordancewith the present invention, or simply a computer system for users toaccess their profile and update their most recent fitness progress data.In an exemplary embodiment, client device 202 is located in a gym, andprovides these components in a fitness booth such as the one disclosedwith reference to FIG. 4. This configuration is desirable as it offers aprivate environment in which users may take their pictures and uploadtheir personal information.

Client user 222 may be a gym member utilizing a fitness booth to takeone or more self images and record his current weight, along with otherinformation pertaining to his recent exercise routine. Client user 222interacts with the components offered via client device 202 to eithercreate a profile or update an existing profile with current fitnessprogress data. Whether via a booth, a computer device in a separateroom, or at a designated section of a gym, typically, client user 222will be provided access to user interface 203.

User interface 203 may provide client user 222 with a graphical userinterface (GUI) for guiding client user 222 through the fitness progressdata gathering and uploading process. Typically, a touch screen may beprovided, through which a GUI will display instructions that requestinput of various user information. Of course, other embodiments may bepractice without deviating from the scope of the invention whereinregular screens rather than touch screens are utilized. User interface203 may communicate with various components of client device 202,including processor 204, scale 205, camera(s) 206 and image adjustmentsystem 207. In alternative embodiments, user interface 203 maycommunicate with more or less components without deviating from thescope of the present invention. User interface 203 brings thefunctionality of the several components of client device 202 to clientuser 222.

Processor 204 is typically a microprocessor that communicates with eachcomponent of client device 202. Processor 204 processes and responds totask requests from each component of client device 202, and isconfigured to communicate with server system 201 via network interface211. Typically, processor 204 receives information from components ofclient device 202 and sends this information to server system 201 forstoring under a profile associated with the user providing theinformation. For example, a user may step on scale 205; the weight valueregistered by scale 205 may be provided to processor 204, which in turnsends the information for storing at server system 201. In someembodiments, fitness progress data such as a user's weight, one or morephotos, and a user's fat percentage may be first compiled by processor204 before being sent to server system 201 for storage in the associateduser profile. In alternative embodiments, processor 204 may simply sendeach data (i.e. the weight, each photo, and the percentage of a user'sbody fat) separately and directly to server system 201.

Scale 205 communicates with processor 204 to relay at least a user'sweight to be displayed via user interface 203 and uploaded to serversystem 201 via network 212. Scale 205 may be any type of scale that canbe adapted to communicate with user interface 203 and processor 204 forrouting weight values from users to server system 201.

Image adjustment system 206 refers to the system which makes adjustmentsto maximize efficacy and clarity of user photos. Depending on theparticular embodiment, image adjustment system 206 refers to acombination of tasks and/or components, which may adjust the camera'sphysical location, settings pertaining to the focus or scope of thelens, or both. Thus, in one embodiment, image adjustment system 206 maycomprise of components to physically adjust camera 207 to the optimalposition for capturing a user's picture. Alternatively, image adjustmentsystem 206 may comprise of software for manipulating images in order toproperly crop and edit images captured with camera 207.

Camera 207 may be one or more cameras. In an exemplary embodiment,camera 207 uses a wide-angle lens optimized for close-range imagecapturing to better ensure the ability to take or capture full bodyphotos of a fitness booth user, such as client user 222. In any case,camera 207 may communicate with processor 204 in order to be able tocapture user photos and forward those photos or images either userinterface 203 or to server system 201 via network 212, or both.

Fitness analysis tools 208 are typically one or more tools for carryingout an analysis such as a percentage of body fat calculation. Thisanalysis may be computational and accomplished by algorithms that takeinto account user input data, or may be determined by more complexversions of scale 205. Hence, in some embodiments scale 205 may comprisefitness analysis tools that provide a user with additional informationsuch as body fat percentage, while in other embodiments fitness analysistools 208 may encompass different components (from scale 205), whichcarry out similar calculations. These calculations may encompass bodymass index calculations, body fat percentage calculations, changes ofthese values over a period of time, or any other calculation that mayprovide a user with an indication of their progress in relation to theirfitness goals. For example, and without deviating from the scope of thepresent invention, a user interested in losing weight might beinterested in obtaining a value of weight lost over a period of time,while a user interested in gaining weight may be interested in theweight they have gained over a specified period of time, in addition toany change in their percentage of body fat. In some embodiments, thesecalculations may be determined and obtained from components of clientdevice 202, which are in turn routed to server system 101 for storingunder a particular user's profile. In alternative embodiments, thesecalculations may be performed at server system 101, and client device202 merely provides the data required for making the desireddeterminations.

Lighting 209 controls the lighting required to take proper images.Lighting 209 may adjust to ambient light or options entered by a user byproviding more or less light. Lighting 209 may be automated or may becontrolled via user interface 203. Lighting 209 may thus be complexlighting fixtures or merely stand alone lamps that provide adequatelight.

Display 210 is a display for presenting information provided to clientdevice 202 from advertisement communication module 213. Display 210 maydisplay third-party advertisements to client user 222, or any other userin close proximity to display 210. Thus, while other uses may beimplemented such as providing venue information, etc., via display 210,the display may be reserved for advertisements regarding products orservices that client user 222 may have an interest in.

Network interface 211 may be any known interface for communication vianetwork 212. Network 212 is typically a wide area network, although insome embodiments, network 211 may be a local area network. Typically,network interface 211 is a wireless modem for connecting to network 212,which comprises the internet.

Network 212 serves as the bridge between client device 202, clientdevice 214, and server system 201. For instance, through network 212, afitness booth user may have their post-workout photos taken at the gymand utilize client device 202 to upload the images, along with theuser's weight and other pertinent fitness progress data, to serversystem 201, which may be made accessible immediately afterwards viaclient device 214.

Advertisement communication module 213 is typically a third-party serverin communication with server system 201, client device 202 and clientdevice 214 via network 212. Advertisement communication module 213permits third-party sponsors or advertisement affiliates to communicatewith parts of or the entire fitness booth experience so as todynamically generate and serve advertisements locally or remotely tousers. Advertisement communication module 213 may have advertisementsdisplayed, for instance, on display 210, mobile app 215, or user webbrowser 216.

As explained above, client device 214 refers to any device with accessto a graphical user interface, such as a mobile device application orwebsite designed to provide users with access to their fitness progressdata, including platforms wherein users can share their fitness progressdata with others. Hence, client user 223 may access data previouslyuploaded to server system 201 from client device 202, by either usingmobile app 215, or website 216. For example, in one embodiment, clientdevice 214 permits a fitness booth user to access certain servicesassociated with the fitness booth experience without actually beingphysically present at the fitness booth. Thus, a user not at the fitnessbooth, for example, client user 223, may be able to access fitness boothpictures, weight data, or any other type of fitness progress datathrough a remote device utilizing a mobile app or web browser, forinstance, mobile app 215 or website 216. The remote device may be asmartphone, a laptop, or a personal computer with mobile app 215 or withaccess to website 216.

Mobile app 215 may, for example, be a phone or tablet applicationdownloaded through Apple®'s App Store™. Accordingly, mobile app 215 maybe downloaded through communication with a network, such as network 212,and used by client user 223 outside client device 202. Client user 223may also access website 216 to access his fitness progress data bylogging in via an internet-capable phone, laptop, tablet, or desktopcomputer.

Website 216 may comprise one or more web pages for displaying fitnessprogress data to a user. Website 216 may include a variety of featuressuch as forums, chat rooms, and various functionalities to view, share,and obtain information that may help users with their fitness goals.

Server system 201, as mentioned above, may comprise one or more servers.In one embodiment (shown), server system 201 comprises REST server 219,database server 220, and web server 221. Server system 201 functions asa system through which large amounts of data can be stored andsubsequently communicated through network 212, with network 212exemplarily being the internet.

REST server 219 may serve as an intermediary between aninformation-requesting party, for instance, a smart phone application,and another server, for instance, database server 220. REST server 219serves as an alternative to directly exposing database server 220 tonetwork 212, thus better protecting system security.

Moreover, REST server 219 may act as a funnel through which asubstantial degree of information from the local fitness booth, externalnetworks, third party partners, and other servers, can be transmitteduniformly. Thus, small or large-scale system updates for the differentmeans of influencing a user's fitness tracking experience may possiblybe achieved through a single update to REST server 219, which mayexemplarily impact smart phone apps, websites, and local fitness boothmedia alike.

Database server 220 holds substantially all data pertaining to thefitness booth, such as but not limited to, user pictures, profileinformation, usage data, or any other data. Web server 221 requestsfitness booth data from database server 220 to provide web pages for aremote user such as client user 223 accessing server system 201 viaclient device 214.

Therefore, client user 222 may share recently uploaded images withclient user 223 by uploading recently taken pictures to server system201 (i.e. uploading images to database server 220) via network 212 fromclient device 202. Client user 223 may access this information fromclient device 214—that is, via accessing server system 201 by eitherusing mobile application 215 or accessing website 214 from his or hermobile device. Alternatively, client user 222 may simply upload newfitness progress data to server system 201 and later view theinformation via client device 214. One goal of system 200 is thereforeto provide each user of system 200 with a means of creating, viewing,and or sharing fitness progress data in order to aid each user inrealizing their fitness goals.

Now turning to the next figure, FIG. 3(a) is a flowchart illustratingone method of tracking fitness progress, in accordance with an exemplaryembodiment of the present invention. Method 300 a comprises severalsteps; these steps are described in the following order, however anyother conceivable sequence of these steps may be practiced withoutdeviating from the scope of the present invention.

Step 301 comprises requesting and authenticating a user's session. Thisstep may include obtaining user identification or login information. Auser wishing to utilize client device 202, or a fitness booth inaccordance with the present invention, may be immediately prompted toverify their account through the entering of a username and password.The username and password may be created the first time a user usesclient device 202 or by requiring a user to sign up via a website. In anexemplary embodiment, initial account setup information comprises auser's username, password, and any other pertinent identifyinginformation that may be required to create a user profile, such asproviding an email address, etc. Other embodiments may be practicedwherein more or less information is initially requested. Once a user hascreated and logged into an account, client device 202 is ready for datacollection, starting with the data described in step 302.

In one embodiment, step 301 authentication further comprises actualizinga session in which server system 201 is in communication with clientdevice 202 until the session is over. In another embodiment, step 301authentication further comprises actualizing a session in which clientdevice is not in communication with server system 201, but isnevertheless ready for providing instructions and or receiving userinput, in order to later communicate the compiled data to server system201. Hence, a communication with server system 201 may be established atstep 301 or at a later point in the process without deviating from thescope of the present invention.

In step 302, instructions are provided for a user of a client device,for example, client device 202. These instructions may comprise ofrequesting the user to input information, to state information, or tocomply with commands that guide the user to use the user interface ofclient device 202. In one embodiment, instructions comprise ofrequesting or guiding the user to step on a scale of client device 202in order to read the user's weight. In another embodiment, the user isrequested to input his or her weight information via the user interface.In another embodiment, the user is requested to step on a scale platformand face a camera of client device 202 in order for the client device tocapture an image of the user. In yet another embodiment, theinstructions include all of the above mentioned instructions in order tocollect a variety of fitness progress data from the user.

Step 302 comprises providing a user with instructional information forobtaining fitness progress data such as taking progress images. This mayinclude, but is not limited to, aiding the user with timing, pose,lighting, and number of photos. The user interface may provide a visualrepresentation of the upcoming pose the user needs to emulate, as wellas a countdown timer. In an exemplary embodiment, the user may stand onthe scale for each of the possible photos in order for the system tocapture the user's weight at the same time as the user's photos arebeing taken. In other embodiments, the instructions for obtaining auser's weight may come after the user images have been captured.

Step 303 typically comprises capturing one or more images after acountdown timer has terminated. The image may be captured using one ormore cameras. Thereafter, at step 304, a determination may be made, forexample based on the user's settings and status, whether the series ofimages has been completed. If not, step 302 is reinitiated and the useris given yet another set of instructions. For example, the user may beprovided another set of visual representations to emulate and presentedwith a countdown timer.

In an exemplary embodiment, the series of photos is set at a fixednumber, comprising a default sample of poses. This may be desired forensuring fast turnaround from one user to the next and simplifying theprocess of taking fitness photos as much as possible. The default samplemay, for instance, be three photos, and allow a user to complete aniteration of the fitness booth experience in less than a minute.

In another exemplary embodiment, the series of photos is customizable,wherein the user has control over how many photos are taken and in whichposes. This may be desired to better personalize the fitness trackingexperience and potentially provide a more robust, complete set of photosfor enhanced documentation.

In yet another exemplary embodiment, the user may review the photos andchoose to reshoot one or more of them before finalizing the series andsubmitting it. Additionally, the user may then review or edit theirprofile.

If the series of images is complete, another determination may be madein step 305. In step 305, a determination may be made of whether anyother fitness progress data may be provided by the user. For example,other fitness progress data may include a weight of the user, a heightof the user, an exercise routine the user has completed, or any otherfitness related data that can be tracked for purposes of evaluatingprogress the user is making towards their fitness goals. If no otherfitness progress data will be provided by the user, then in step 307 anoptional evaluation of the data obtained thus far may be performed instep 307. If other fitness progress data is available for the user toprovide, then in step 306, fitness progress data may be received eithervia a user input or by receiving the information from a component of theclient device—for example, a weight may be provided by a scale of theclient device, a height may be provided by a user input, or any otherpertinent data may be provided by any means.

Other pertinent data may be requested via instructions or may beprovided by the user. For example, and without deviating from the scopeof the present invention, the user's height may be recorded during theaccount creation phase (i.e. this may be desirable if the user is anadult and there is no likely change in height of the user). Inembodiments wherein height is not recorded during the account creationphase, step 306 may comprise instructions for obtaining both height andweight values. In one embodiment, height may be taken regularly over thecourse of time a user utilizes client device 202 (i.e. this may bedesirable if the user is a young individual and a change in the user'sheight is expected).

In an exemplary embodiment, height may be manually inputted by the user.However, in other embodiments, a height value may be determined usingthe cameras present on the fitness booth's control panel. Due to theconsistent distance from which the cameras will take photos of fitnessbooth users, height may be estimated with a reasonable degree ofaccuracy. Again, this may be advantageous for young users who are stillgrowing and do not wish to manually measure their height frequently inorder to get proper fitness analyses.

Weight may be recorded using an integrated scale configured tocommunicate with the user interface of the client device. Otherinformation such as exercise routines that the user has completed may beprovided via the user interface by the user.

Once there is no additional fitness progress data from the user, in step307 an evaluation may be made for determining different information.This evaluation may be determined at a server, such as server system201, or may be made by a client device, such as client device 202, ormay be processed by a mobile device such as client device 214. Forexample, and without deviating from the scope of the present invention,the user's weight value and the user's height allows for a calculationof body mass index (BMI) in step 307, if an evaluation of the data isdesired. In an exemplary embodiment, the scale is equipped to provide anestimate of the user's body fat percentage. This may be done using atechnique known as bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA), the specificsof which would be known or easily ascertainable for a person of ordinaryskill in the art. Other techniques may be used in lieu of BIA withoutdeviating from the scope of the present invention; alternatively, inother embodiments, no such evaluation is performed, and step 307 isskipped in order to send the information to a server in step 308.

Step 308 may comprise of sending the compiled information to a server.Fitness progress data, such as photos weight, fat percentage, BMI, andother compiled information, may be sent from the client such as clientdevice 202, to a server, for example server 201.

In step 309, the information reaching the server may be stored in theserver's database, wherein the database comprises that user's profile.The user's profile may be updated with the new fitness progress data,including but not limited to, for example, the most recent height,weight, BMI, and set of progress images from the user. This informationmay be integrated into various other graphical, visual, and textualrepresentations of fitness and progress to provide a more robust fitnesstracking experience.

In step 310, a request may be received from a client device, requestingfitness progress data from a user. This step may comprise utilizing agraphical user interface to access personal and community profileinformation through internet-capable devices such as, but not limitedto, desktop computers, laptops, tablets, or mobile phones. Suchgraphical user interfaces may take form of a website, application,program, or other similar form. In an exemplary embodiment, thegraphical user interface is a website, allowing a user to login throughan internet-capable device. In another exemplary embodiment, thegraphical user interface is an application, such as one that might bepurchased or downloaded from the Apple® App Store™.

In step 311, after authenticating the user request for fitness progressdata, the database may be accessed and the data retrieved for the user.Once retrieved, in step 312, fitness progress data may be provided tothe user, for example, via client device 214.

Now turning to the next figure, FIG. 3(b) is a flowchart illustratingone method of tracking fitness progress from a server, in accordancewith an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Method 300 bcomprises several steps; these steps are described in the followingorder, however any other conceivable sequence of these steps may bepracticed without deviating from the scope of the present invention.

In step 313, the server may receive a request to initiate a new session.After receiving user identification and performing a security protocolto verify the user, in step 314 the session is authenticated. In step315, the server may receive fitness progress data from a client devicesuch as client device 202. This information may include, for example, auser's weight, a user's images, other information such as a user'sexercise routines, and any other information that may be helpful fortracking a user's fitness progress. Once this information iscommunicated to the server, in step 316, the server stores thisinformation, updating a user's profile with the new fitness progressdata.

In step 317, a request may be received to retrieve fitness progress datafrom one or more users. This step may require another authentication andverification process in order to provide a user with the requestedfitness progress data. In step 318, the server may retrieve fitnessprogress data from its database, wherein the fitness progress data isassociated with the user. Alternatively, depending on permissionsgranted to the user, another user's fitness progress data may be madeavailable to the requesting user. So long as permission is granted, anduser identification is verified, in step 319, the server may provide theuser fitness progress data to the requesting entity, for example clientdevice 214.

Now turning to the next figure, FIG. 3(c) is a flowchart illustratingone method of tracking fitness progress from a client device, inaccordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Method300 c comprises several steps; these steps are described in thefollowing order, however any other conceivable sequence of these stepsmay be practiced without deviating from the scope of the presentinvention.

In step 320, a request for user identification information is made andreceived. This may include initially setting up a user profile or merelyverifying and authenticating an existing user. In step 321, instructionsare presented in order to guide the user in providing any fitnessprogress data such as weight, height, and any other pertinentinformation. Additionally, in step 321, the user may be guided in orderto capture one or more images of the user's physique. In step 322, oneor more images of the user may be captured. As mentioned above, the usermay be offered an opportunity to either update images, or takeadditional images, or choose from a selection of captured images beforesending the images to the server. In step 323, additional informationmay be added by the user, for example, the user may input exerciseroutines they have recently completed.

In step 324, the client device may perform an evaluation of fitnessprogress data in order to, for example, calculate a BMI, or any otherinformation that may be helpful to the user. In alternative embodiments,this evaluation or determination may be made by the server rather thanby the client device, or by a mobile device that is used to view theinformation; hence, the processing power to perform the analysis mayrest at the server, or at client devices.

Once all the desired information is received from the user, and anyevaluations or determinations by the client device are performed, thenin step 325 the fitness progress data is sent to a server.

Now turning to the next figure, FIG. 3(d) is a flowchart illustratingone method of tracking fitness progress from a client device such as amobile device or computer, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment ofthe present invention. Method 300 d comprises several steps; these stepsare described in the following order, however any other conceivablesequence of these steps may be practiced without deviating from thescope of the present invention.

In step 325, the client device, for example a mobile device, a laptopcomputer, or desktop computer, may establish a communication with aserver such as server system 201. This may be achieved by means of amobile application on a mobile device, or by accessing a website fromthe client device. Upon establishing communication, in step 326, theuser may provide user identification in order to receive authenticationand permission to access the server.

In step 327, once access to the server is granted, the client device maysend a request for fitness progress data associated with the user.Alternatively, a request may be made for fitness progress data of otherusers, depending on the permissions of the requesting user. In step 328,the server has granted access, and the client device receives therequested data. The fitness progress data may then be displayed on theclient device.

After gaining access to a graphical user interface adapted to receivefitness progress data, the user may be presented with a number ofoptions aimed at maintaining and transplanting the post-workoutmotivation surge to a location other than the gym, such as a user'shome. The user may be able to visually, graphically, and textuallymonitor fitness progress and share that progress with other fitnessbooth users and members of their social media circles.

With respect to sharing progress with other users, a user has a myriadof options for choosing to what extent their profile is shared. Forinstance, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention, users have the ability to set their profile to public,faceless public, and private. A public profile is entirely viewable byother users. The user's profile photo, progress photos, height, weight,BMI, length of membership and other information pertaining to theirfitness progress and goals are displayed. A faceless public profile isidentical to a public profile, except photos are not shared with thecommunity. Lastly, a private profile is not shared with the community inany appreciable manner.

With respect to sharing progress with members of a social circle, a userhas the option through the graphical user interface to publish aspectsof or their entire profile with Twitter® followers, Facebook® friends,Instagram® followers, and the like. The user may choose to selectivelyor automatically share all progress, or direct manual and automaticsharing differently depending on the social media outlet or the contentof the post. Without limiting or deviating from the spirit or scope ofthe present invention, the user may, for example, choose toautomatically post graphical information of weight, body fat percentage,and BMI to Twitter®, automatically post graphical and photographicalinformation to Facebook®, and post photos to Instagram® on a case bycase basis.

FIG. 4 illustrates a client device comprising an enclosure, hereinafterreferred to as a fitness booth, in accordance with an exemplaryembodiment of the present invention. Fitness booth 400 comprises scale401, control panel 402, light panel 403, light panel 404, camera 405,camera 406, user interface 407, and vacancy indicator 408.

Fitness booth 400 may have similar dimensionality to a photo booth orwidened phone booth. Fitness booth 400 may be located anywhere within orproximate to a gym, for instance near the gym's exit and entrance, in acorner, or in a locker room. Alternatively, fitness booth 400 may belarger or smaller than a typical photo booth, without limiting ordeviating from the scope of the present invention.

Fitness booth 400 may be constructed and outfitted with any number ofmaterials. By way of a non-limiting example, fitness booth 400 maycomprise aluminum framing or any other type of metal. Without limitingor deviating from the spirit or scope of the present invention,structural panels may comprise, for example, plexiglass, frostedacrylic, acrylic, or nylon. Furthermore, the entrance to fitness booth400 may be a door, curtain, or other means with which to provideprivacy. If the entrance is a door, the door may be, in one embodiment,comprised of nylon, though other materials may be used in addition to orin lieu of nylon. Fitness booth 400 may be covered by an enclosure,allowing a user to have complete privacy while updating fitnessprogress. In an exemplary embodiment, this enclosure may compriseplastic, cloth, or the like.

Scale 401 is used to weigh the user and exemplarily calculate the user'sBMI and body fat percentage. In an exemplary embodiment, stepping onscale 401 will immediately prompt an interactive display and timercountdown for taking progress photos, assuming the user is logged in.Scale 401 may be designed and integrated into fitness booth 400 in anumber of ways. In one embodiment, scale 401 is an elevated scale withramps surrounding it from the front, left, and right sides. In thisembodiment, the rear of scale 401 will comprise a platform flush withscale 401 used to hide unsightly electrical wiring. In a separateembodiment, the entire floor of fitness booth 400 is elevated above theground outside it, wherein a cutout is made to allow scale 401 to beinstalled flush with the rest of the floor.

Control panel 402 comprises light panel 403, light panel 404, camera405, camera 406, and user interface 407. Control panel 402 contains amajority of the important features utilized in tracking fitnessprogress. These features are elaborated upon in FIG. 5.

Light panels 403, 404 provide the lighting for profile and progressphotos and are important for maintaining consistency in photos amidstpotentially unpredictable light within the gym. In embodiments whereinthe entrance to fitness booth 400 does not allow appreciable light toenter, light panels 403, 404 illuminate the otherwise dim interior offitness booth 400.

Cameras 405, 406 take the profile and progress photos for a fitnessbooth user, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention. In a separate embodiment, the number of cameras differs fromtwo. For instance, fitness booth 400 may comprise a single camera withthe ability to capture an entire body with a high level of detail.However, with respect to FIG. 4, cameras 405, 406 aid in taking detailedphotos of particular sections of the body. For instance, camera 405 maytake photos of the top half of a user's body, whereas camera 406 maytake photos of the bottom half of a user's body. In such instanceswherein a full body-length photo is taken, cameras 405, 406 may takeoverlapping photos in which the overlapping regions are visuallyresolved into a single segment and the photos are combined into a singleflowing visual thereafter. This feature is similar to how a panoramicphoto is achieved using multiple overlapping photos. Alternatively,either camera 405 or camera 406 may be tasked in lieu of the other totake a full-length or near full-length photo. Other embodiments mayexist which permit greater or fewer cameras to be implemented as acomponent of control panel 402 or as a separate entity from controlpanel 402.

User interface 407 provides the means for a user to initiate,personalize, visualize, and complete their fitness booth experience.User interface 407 is the interactive means within fitness booth 400which displays the login screen, timers, poses, photo series, and thelike. In an exemplary embodiment, user interface 407 is a touch screendevice. With respect to FIG. 4, user interface 407 resides below camera405 and above camera 406.

Vacancy indicator 408 provides a visual indication of whether or notfitness booth 400 is presently in use. Vacancy indicator 408 resides onthe outside of fitness booth 400 so as to inform patrons not currentlyusing fitness booth 400. In an exemplary embodiment, vacancy indicator408 will have two buttons, with one button indicating occupancy and theother button indicating vacancy. This indication may be publicized via alight emitting from the button corresponding to the present vacancystatus. Vacancy indicator 408 may receive vacancy statuses through anumber of different means that would be known by a person of ordinaryskill in the art.

Lastly, in an exemplary embodiment, fitness booth 400 may comprisedisplay 409, which may be situated on the exterior of fitness booth 400.Display 409 may be used for promotional purposes. For instance, andwithout limiting or deviating from the spirit or scope of the presentinvention, the screen may be used to promote the gym hosting the fitnessbooth or promote fitness-related products sold or sponsored by the gymor any third party, among any number of other purposes.

FIG. 5 (a) and FIG. 5(b) illustrate alternative embodiments of controlpanel 500. In one embodiment, shown in FIG. 5(a), control panel 500comprises light panel 501, light panel 502, camera 503, camera 504, anduser interface 505.

Light panels 501, 502 provide flash lighting for a user's photos. In anexemplary embodiment, light panel 501 and light panel 502 each compriseat least one standard light and at least one flash. Light panel 501 maybe used to provide light to the lower half of a user's body, whereaslight panel 502 may provide light to the upper half of a user's body.However, undiffused light may be too strong for such photos. Therefore,in another exemplary embodiment, the light emanating from panels 501,502 may be diffused using a milky plastic coating or other diffusivemeans present on panels 501, 502 so as to soften the light passingthrough them.

Cameras 503, 504, as pictured in FIG. 5(a) may be mounted and fixed oncontrol panel 500 facing forward towards the user. In an exemplaryembodiment, camera 503 and camera 504 may both comprise single-lensreflex cameras, though other embodiments exist wherein this is not thecase and different camera types or lenses are implemented. In anexemplary embodiment, each camera within the present fitness booth is awide-angle lens camera.

User interface 505 may be a touch-screen tablet used as the means forreceiving and requesting information from the fitness booth user. In oneembodiment, user interface 505 has its bottom tilted approximately 15degrees away from being parallel with the mounting face of control panel500 so as to ease user interaction with the screen.

FIG. 5(b) illustrates another embodiment for control panel 500 in whicha image adjustment system with a motorized mount configured tovertically adjust the height of a camera is implemented. The imageadjustment system may be implemented into control panel 500 or maycomprise a different structure. Typically, the image adjustment systemaids in minimizing the size of the photo-taking apparatus, while stillmaintaining consistency in user photos, regardless of a user's height.The image adjustment system may comprise of camera 506, and camerasupport 507, which includes a motorized camera mount.

Camera support 507 may be any type of support permitting the motorizedcamera mount and camera 506 to move vertically. This movement may betriggered upon a user logging in or entering a height value. In oneembodiment, receipt or retrieval of the user's height may cause camera506, through motorized camera mount of camera support 507, to move to aparticular vertical height based on that user's height. For instance, ataller than average user may see camera 506 adjusted higher than itsdefault position. Conversely, a shorter than average user may see camera506 adjusted lower than its default position.

Without limiting or deviating from the spirit or scope of the presentinvention, the image adjustment system may either be incorporated intothe fitness booth control panel depicted in FIGS. 4-5, wherein thecamera support is a piece present in or on the control panel, or may beincorporated as an entity adjoined to or separate from the controlpanel. In any case, the image adjustment system may comprise one or morecameras with one or more motorized camera mounts, which adjust based onthe user's height value.

Additionally, the image adjustment system may, through the fitnessbooth's processor, make adjustment to camera 506's lens so as to capturethe desired region of the user's body. In an exemplary embodiment, thislens is a wide-angle lens, which aids in capturing an entire user's bodyeven from a close range.

FIG. 6 is a visual representation of a GUI, in accordance with anexemplary embodiment of the present invention. GUI 600 comprisesprogress tab 601, visual progress indicator 602, advice tab 603, forumtab 604, rate tab 605, account settings tab 606, and share icons 607.

GUI 600 represents an exemplary embodiment of a graphical userinterface, such as one a user might encounter on a website or mobiledevice application pertaining to the present invention. However, othersuch graphical user interfaces with different data presentation, tabs,and features may exist without departing from the spirit or scope of thepresent invention. Once the user logs in to the GUI source, thepresently illustrated configuration of data objects may result. For thepurposes of simplicity, let reference to GUI tabs also refer to theinformation represented in the tab's corresponding page. Thus, in someembodiments, each tab may direct users to a dedicated page for contentpertaining to a particular topic.

Progress tab 601 allows a user to view in depth fitness progress datarelated to their fitness progress and do so through a number ofdifferent formats. Several of these formats may utilize visual progressindicator 602. Formats may include, but are not limited to, images,graphical documentation, textual records, and numerical data. Fitnessprogress data may include, but is not limited to, photos, weight, BMI,body fat percentage, height, exercise routines, exercise types, caloriesburnt, calorie intake, dietary plans, or any other data that a user maybenefit from recording in the system. This data may be recorded at afitness booth or later added via a website or application. At any time,fitness progress data may be provided to the user for review.

For example, all photos taken by any fitness booth can be extractedthrough a corresponding server's database, perhaps the gym's database ora more centralized server and database. The user may sift through eachof the photos by date taken, weight, BMI, or any other similarcategorical means. This may be done with all data compiled by a fitnessbooth or a graphical user interface.

Visual progress indicator 602 may provide a visual metric of the fitnessbooth user's progress over time or provide the user's fitness progressdata. For example, visual progress indicator may display figures,images, graphical data pertaining to the user's physique, weight changesover time, or any other parameter of interest. For example, and withoutlimiting the scope of the present invention, a user that has made use ofthe fitness booth for several months, and who has lost a total of 40pounds via exercise may access GUI 600 and see visual progress indicator602. In that case, visual progress indicator 602 may provide a one ormore parameters that the user may be interested in tracking. Forinstance, if at a starting period the user weighed 160 pounds, but in asubsequent period the user weighed 120 pounds, the user may beinterested in tracking his weight, and thus a graph depicting the changein weight may be displayed for his review. Similarly, photos may bedisplayed that represent the records that user has recorded through thatperiod. Thus, an initial fitness tracking data object 602 a may compriseof a starting weight or starting photograph of the user, and a currentfitness tracking data object 602 b may comprise a current weight orcurrent image of the user showing his new physique.

Advice tab 603 is a means for users to get tips and advice on a myriadof fitness-related topics, for instance workout tips, dietarysuggestions, and ideas for maximizing the fitness booth experience. Thismay come from fitness booth administrators, workout gurus, or any otherfitness professionals.

Forum tab 604 is a more personal, interconnected application of theadvice found in advice tab 603, wherein fitness booth users cancommunicate and trade tips, advice, encouragement, and fitness progresswith one another. Forum tab 604 serves as a means to further motivationbeyond the actual fitness booth and corresponding gym and keep usersupbeat and positive about the oft-daunting task of maintaining a workoutregimen and reaching fitness goals. Forum tab 604 users may choose tofollow one another's progress through following or friending the userwithin the forum.

Rate tab 605 affords yet another source of motivation for fitness boothusers, wherein a user may rate how another user is progressing in theirfitness goals. A user receiving an unsatisfactory rating from anotheruser may become motivated to change that rating through longer, moreintense, or more frequent fitness sessions at the gym, or by alteringother lifestyle choices pertaining to fitness and health.

Settings tab 606 allows a user to alter account settings such as ausername, password, email address, privacy settings, progress sharing,or the like. Changing a username or password will, in an exemplaryembodiment, automatically change the corresponding username or passwordfor logging in at a fitness booth through communication with acentralized server.

Share icons 607 provide a means whereby a user can manually select whichsocial media outlets they wish to publish their progress to. Withrespect to FIG. 6, share icons 607, like visual progress indicator 601,are components of progress tab 602. Thus, share icons 607 particularlyrefer to sharing visual progress indicator 601 with social mediacircles. However, if the user were viewing a separate page withinprogress tab 602, the option to share progress through share icons 607may refer to the data presented on the corresponding page. The methodwith which this information is shared with the social media circle isdependent on the specific social media site, though such methods wouldbe known or easily ascertainable by a person of ordinary skill in theart.

A system and method for tracking fitness progress has been described.The foregoing description of the various exemplary embodiments of theinvention has been presented for the purposes of illustration anddisclosure. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit theinvention to the precise form disclosed. Many modifications andvariations are possible in light of the above teaching. It is intendedthat the scope of the invention not be limited by this detaileddescription, but by the claims and the equivalents to the claims.

DESCRIPTION OF REFERENCE SYMBOLS

-   100: System-   101: Server-   102: Database-   103: Profile-   104: Network-   105: Remote device-   106: Remote device-   107: Remote device-   108: Fitness booth-   109: User interface-   110: Processor-   111: Camera-   112: Scale-   200: System-   201: Server system-   202: Client device-   203: User interface-   204: Processor-   205: Scale-   206: Image adjustment system-   207: Camera-   208: Fitness analysis tools-   209: Lighting-   210: Advertisement communication module display (Display)-   211: Network interface-   212: Network-   213: Advertisement communication module-   214: Client device-   215: Mobile App-   216: Website-   219: REST server-   220: Database server-   221: Web server-   222: Client user-   223: Client user-   400: Fitness booth-   401: Scale-   402: Control panel-   403: Light panel-   404: Light panel-   405: Camera-   406: Camera-   407: User interface-   408: Vacancy Indicator-   500: Control panel-   501: Light panel-   502: Light panel-   503: Camera-   504: Camera-   505: User interface-   506: Camera-   507: Camera support-   600: Graphical user interface-   601: Progress tab-   602: Visual progress indicator-   603: Advice tab-   604: Forum tab-   605: Rate tab-   606: Settings tab-   607: Share icons

What is claimed is:
 1. A server computer for tracking fitness progressof a user by compiling fitness progress photographs via a client deviceand distributing the fitness progress photographs by way of a graphicaluser interface (GUI), the computer comprising: a network interface forcommunicating with a client device housed within a booth and situatedinside a gymnasium, the client device configured to: display a visualrepresentation of a first athletic pose; instruct the user to emulatethe first athletic pose in front of the one or more cameras; capture afirst progress photograph of the user emulating the first athletic pose;display a visual representation of a second athletic pose; instruct theuser to emulate the second athletic pose in front of the one or morecameras; and capture a second progress photograph of the user emulatingthe second athletic pose; a database for storing a user's fitnessprogress data including the progress photographs of the user receivedfrom the client device; and a processor configured to: receive, from theclient device, the fitness progress data including the progressphotographs in order to store the fitness progress data in a profileassociated with the user; and provide one or more mobile devices accessto the fitness progress data via the GUI, wherein the GUI is configuredto display a visual progress indicator comprising: an initial fitnessprogress photograph of the user, an initial weight value of the user, aplurality of progress photographs of the user previously captured over aperiod of time, a plurality of weight values of the user previouslyrecorded over the period of time, a current progress photograph of theuser, and a current weight of the user.
 2. The server of claim 1,wherein the fitness progress data includes the user's weight.
 3. Theserver of claim 1, wherein the fitness progress data includes the user'sheight.
 4. The server of claim 1, wherein the fitness progress dataincludes the user's exercise routine.
 5. The server of claim 1, furthercomprising a module for calculating a fitness analysis based on thefitness progress data.
 6. The server of claim 5, wherein the fitnessanalysis comprises a body mass index of the user.
 7. The server of claim5, wherein the fitness analysis comprises a body fat percentage of theuser.
 8. The server of claim 1, further comprising a module forproviding a graphical user interface to the second device.
 9. The serverof claim 1, further comprising a module for providing an advertisingcontent from a third-party affiliate to the first device.
 10. The serverof claim 1, further comprising a module for providing an advertisingcontent from a third-party affiliate to the second device.